Breast Revision in Baltimore, MD

Breast augmentation surgery continues to be the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. While the majority of women are pleased with their augmentation results, some will decide to have the implants removed or replaced. Owing Mills plastic surgeon, Dr. Janet Woodyard has considerable experience in breast revision surgery and works with women to correct, remove or replace an existing implant. This decision is made because the implant is either in the wrong position or no longer aesthetically desirable. Replacement of older implants is also a consideration. Surgery for revision of prior breast lift, reduction or reconstruction also sometimes becomes necessary. Each breast revision procedure is  somewhat unique. The procedure(s) needed vary by circumstances and careful planning by an experienced surgeon is required.  This starts at the initial consultation.

If you have any worries (either medical or aesthetic) after breast augmentation surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Woodyard to go over your needs and wants and to create your unique breast revision surgery plan. Whether scar tissue, drooping or sagging, rippling, or asymmetry, revision surgery can help the issue and create a more pleasing and healthy outcome. This operation may also help if you want to alter the implant style or size or address any other aspect of your breasts.

Whether you want to change the volume of the implants or resolve issues from a previous surgery, a breast revision procedure performed by Dr. Woodyard can provide the following advantages:

• Increases or decreases implant volume
• Takes out unwanted implants for a more natural appearance
• Improves breast look and feel
• Boosts overall confidence
• Adjusts the location of implants (if necessary)
• Enhances breast size and texture
• Reduces discomfort and pain
• Addresses problems like breast asymmetry, rippling, implant moving, etc.
• Replaces damaged or deflated implants
• Removes scar tissue
• Addresses problems from previous treatments

Breast revision surgery resolves cosmetic issues following a prior cosmetic or reconstructive breast procedure, most frequently (but not exclusively) involving breast implants. The surgery focuses on removal, replacement, or making a switch from saline to silicone-based implants. Listed below are the most common cases where a patient may be a candidate for this treatment:
Breast implant removal - Individuals who wish to undergo breast augmentation do so to increase breast size primarily for aesthetics. However, after breast augmentation, some women may be dissatisfied with their results and opt to revert back to their normal breast size. Others may want to remove their implants because of health concerns or other personal reasons. Breast revision surgery is a process where the implant is removed and the skin over the breast is tightened to make sure the breast sits in a natural position and looks normal. This choice may arise as some women grow older.

Ruptured breast implants - Despite the guarantee that implants are safe and leakages are rare, there are cases when a shell breaks down. If it is filled with saline, the solution will be absorbed by the body, and there will be a noticeable deflation of the breast. In the case of silicone implant rupture, the size of the breast may not change and detection of a rupture becomes more difficult. It can sometimes be determined by physical exam by an experienced plastic surgeon and in some cases may require an MRI.

Capsular contracture - Scar tissue around an implant can increase over time and tighten, thereby causing a capsular contracture. This can cause the implant to appear smaller, feel firmer, become displaced and/or become uncomfortable. This is corrected by capsulotomy, to open up the tight capsule or capsulectomy, to remove it and replace the implant.

Breast rippling - Visible rippling of the implant, while not a complication of the original surgery, may occur during the aging process and may require a breast lift(mastopexy) or larger implant for correction. This problem is more common in thin patients and with saline implants.

Double bubble breast shape - During the aging process of the augmented breast, a woman's breast tissue may drop more than the implant. This creates a "double bubble" appearance to the breast whereby the implant is situated higher than the nipple and natural breast tissue. Correction is by surgery to lift the breast and/or replace or reposition the implant.

Breast shape and size - Breast implants vary in size, texture, shape and base diameter. According to their personal preferences, some patients may be unhappy with how the breast looks and may consider a revision surgery to improve the appearance. They may desire a different size or implant shape. Some patients also later realize that they’d rather have silicone instead of saline. All preferences will be considered to modify the augmented breast.

Revision surgery is tailored to the cosmetic issues that need to be addressed. This may include implant replacement, scar tissue removal or alteration, or a lift if sagging is present. There are instances where an internal tissue matrix is required to support the repositioned implant if the natural tissues are thin or weakened. Ultimately, the corrective procedure is aimed at fixing the issues causing the patient's concern.

Breast revision surgery can sometimes performed under I.V. sedation and at other times under general anesthesia, depending on the nature and extent of the procedure being performed. The patient is usually sent home after treatment and seen in the office within a weeks time. Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days and full recovery is expected in 4 weeks with some settling of the implants over a few months time.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery will vary depending on the complexity of your procedure. In your consultation, Dr. Woodyard will listen to your needs and goals before completing a physical examination of your current implants. After this, she can discuss your options before creating your surgical plan. The total cost of breast revision surgery will depend on the extent of the procedure, plus your new implants. It's better to focus on getting the desired results by finding a skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Woodyard, instead of the cheapest surgeon. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Dr. Woodyard Plastic Surgery accepts many payments and we will give you information on low-interest financing.

What if Dr. Woodyard wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Woodyard can perform your breast revision surgery even if she wasn't the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Revision surgery can be more difficult than augmentation surgery, especially if you want dramatic changes or have problems. Selecting a plastic surgeon like Dr. Woodyard with experience and advanced breast surgery training is better. Dr. Woodyard also encourages her patients to come back to Dr. Woodyard Plastic Surgery for breast revision surgery after their implant surgery if they notice an issue or want new implants.

What about loose skin?
When you are having your implants removed or are changing to a significantly smaller size of implants, you may need to have excess skin removed as well. After listening to your goals and assessing your current implants, Dr. Woodyard can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove loose skin. If you lose significant weight, become pregnant, or breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery, a breast revision combined with a lift can help you get better results.